Tattoo meanings

Choosing a tattoo rarely starts with the image. It usually starts with something you want to hold onto: a period you've been through, someone who matters to you, or a quality you want to keep reminding yourself of. The design comes after.

On this page, we've gathered the meanings behind the most commonly chosen motifs. For each one, you'll find where the symbol comes from, how its meaning shifts when combined with other elements, and which placement suits the design best.

Why meaning and size go hand in hand

The same symbol tells a different story depending on how large you wear it and where. A small butterfly on your wrist reads as something personal; the same butterfly scaled up on your forearm reads as a statement. That's why, for each motif, we also mention which placements work best.

Try it first, then decide

We sell semi-permanent tattoos. The ink settles into the upper layer of skin, is fully developed within 24 to 48 hours, and lasts 10 to 15 days. That's just long enough to find out whether a meaning that looks right on paper still feels right when you see it every day.